Taiwan by bike: How to cycle around the island in 12 days

A mechanical fault on my bicycle hardly seems justification for a police escort through downtown Chihshang to find a repair store.

But Taiwan’s Cycle Route No. 1 — a two-wheeled circumnavigation around the island — is not to be taken lightly.

Inaugurated in 2015, this 602-mile (968-kilometer) epic is fast becoming one of Asia’s greatest adventures — not to mention a lifetime ambition among cycling-obsessed Taiwanese.

Moving pictures

Taiwan’s love affair with cycling began in the 1980s with the rise of homegrown cycle manufacturer, GIANT.

An abundance of affordable cycles coincided with Taiwan’s evolution from an industrializing work-all-hours society, giving rise to a culture in which leisure and health became important considerations.

“Now our generation inherits a wealthier society with more money and time for recreation and health.”

There was already significant government investment in cycleways by the mid-2000s when along came Taiwanese director, Chen Huai-en’s cult movie, “Island Etude” — a rite-of-passage escapade chronicling a boy’s voyage of self-discovery during a solo cycle around Taiwan’s coastline.

Yoho Bike Hotel was the first of its kind to debut in Asia, opening in 2009 — there’s even a quirky bike spa where guests can pamper their trusty two-wheelers.

The various routes draw bikers of all ages and ambitions.

Michael Chung — aged 71 but looking trim in figure-hugging Spandex — is training with his brother on the 11-mile Hsinchu coastal cycleway with an aim to tackle the round-the-country route in the near future.

“Cycling is my way of staying fit as I get older and I have never had time to see all my country,” Chung tells me.

“At my age, this might be my last chance,” he adds, laughing.

University student Huang Yua-Hao, refuels at one of the ubiquitous roadsiderest areas, where cyclists can find route directions, free water and tire pumps.

“I want to see all Taiwan while I am free of commitments like a career and children,” says Huang.